At our whare kai, Melissa’s aroha shines through every meal she prepares. Her kai goes beyond feeding tamariki—it nurtures their wellbeing, creates connection, and ensures every child feels included, seen, and cared for.
Kai with Aroha – Nourishing More Than Bellies
Melissa is the beating heart of our whare kai—a true ringawera whose aroha is woven into every dish she prepares. Her kai is more than food; it is manaaki in action, nourishing not just the tinana (body), but the wairua (spirit) and hinengaro (mind) of every tamaiti she feeds.
Each day, Melissa brings mauri (life force) into the kitchen, preparing everything from scratch—yoghurt with fresh fruit, warm scones, hearty soups, wraps, hummus, cakes, pancakes, and comforting spaghetti Bolognese. Her creations honour the whenua (land), using fresh, whole ingredients to uplift and sustain.
What makes Melissa truly special is her deep sense of kotahitanga—unity. No one is left out. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free—she embraces every child’s needs with open hands and a warm heart.
Her kai is inclusive, nurturing, and always prepared with aroha. She holds the wairua of our community with grace, creating a space where tamariki feel safe, seen, loved, and cared for.
In our whare kai, Melissa is not just a cook—she is a kaitiaki of wellbeing, connection, and manaakitanga. Her mahi is a taonga, and we are blessed beyond words to have her.